Newly-appointed Aston Villa Women manager Carla Ward has expressed her excitement upon joining the club.
The 37-year-old, who was nominated for the Barclays FA Women's Super League Manager of the Season award, was confirmed at the helm last week and is raring to go ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
“It’s a club going in the right direction," said Ward.
"From top to bottom, the culture’s fantastic. I’m honestly excited to be here.”
Ward, who officially begins her reign on Tuesday (June 1), is already looking forward to working with the group of players at her disposal.
“They’ve got an unbelievable set-up," she beamed.
"Good side. Good players to work with. I’m excited to get going.”
While Ward has already been impressed with the squad she is inheriting, the former Sheffield United and Birmingham City manager is keen to further strengthen ahead of another challenging campaign in the top flight.
“They’ve got some exceptional individuals, both as players and people," said Ward of the current crop of players.
"There is a lot of recruiting to do, but those that are here are very good players.
"I’m looking forward to understanding them as people and then looking at how we can improve them.
"It’s exciting. Hopefully we can kick them on.”
While top-flight status was secured on the final day of the 2020/21 season, Ward is eager to implement an attacking style of play which will hopefully see Villa build upon last term's 10th-placed finish and push higher up the WSL table.
"It’s a case of playing exciting football," said Ward of Villa's aspirations.
"Ultimately, we want to get on the front foot and be creative and expansive. We want to excite the fans.”
You can watch Carla's first full interview below...
